Philip K. Breece

Philip K. Breece
July 30, 1938 – September 14, 2024

   Philip Kent Breece, 86, of Deshler, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Bridge Hospice Care Center, Bowling Green, Ohio.
   He was born July 30, 1938 in McComb, Ohio to the late Arthur and Mary (Farquharson) Breece.  Phil was the second oldest of 8 children.  He was a 1957 graduate of Deshler High School.  On August 7, 1987 he married Karen (Seedorf) Breece.  They have shared over 37 years together.
   During his younger years he was instilled with a strong work ethic working for local farmers.  Shortly after high school he worked at Campbell Soup Company; Wink’s furniture; Blue Flame, Deshler; Village of Deshler Street Department and a meter reader for Suburban Natural Gas.  Then one day, he was offered a job at the Deshler Farmers Elevator.  Phil was a skilled applicator, grain handler and known as the “tire-god and miracle worker” in the shop.  He finally retired in 2016, only to continue to work part-time and the farming community appreciated him!  
   Phil was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Deshler.  He was the head usher for over 50 years, the best bell ringer, a past member of church council and the groundskeeper.  His familiar face and countless contributions and gifts to the church will be missed.
   In 1972, Phil was a co-founder of the Bavarian Haus.  Here he continued to share his time and talents, even assisting in building the original building.  He was a board member, groundskeeper and could be seen at most of the dances, weddings and events.  He loved polka dances, but country music would still be his preferred choice. 
   Phil was not just a hard worker, he found time to play hard too.  He always enjoyed sports.  He was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Detroit Tigers, Findlay Oilers and his local Patrick Henry Patriots.   He spent many years bowling in men’s leagues and usually was always the league secretary.  He enjoyed many years managing and playing softball in men’s and church softball leagues; and became an ASA sanctioned softball umpire for 40 years.  For over 50 years, he attended the Ohio High School State Basketball Tournament to enjoy boys basketball.  He loved to take countless trips to the Maumee River, Devil’s Lake and Kelleys Island to go boating, rather than fishing. 
   He was a man that was in constant motion and service to others.  Through it all, Phil always found time and remained focused on his family.  He was always able to attend his children’s events, his grandchildren’s events and even more recently his great granddaughter’s mini-cheer events.  His family will never forget his love and support.
   He is survived by his wife, Karen; 3 children, Terry Breece; Leslie (Tim) Norden; Kari (Mike) Connors; 4 grandchildren, Samantha (Ryan) Shafer; Jonathon (Emily) Norden; Sean Norden; Kaydi McGill; 5 great granddaughters, Charlee Shafer; Emma Shafer; Avery Norden; Hadley Norden; Parker Norden; 1 great grandchild Shafer “on-the-way”; 3 sisters, Candace VanGundy; Cheryl Buck; Joan (Jim) Holland; and a brother, Blair (Nancy) Breece.
   He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John Breece and 2 sisters, March Bean and Romaine Ruggerio.
   Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Christopher Walter officiating.  Burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery and a luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.  The funeral service will be live-streamed on the Immanuel Lutheran Church Facebook page and YouTube Page.
   Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler and from 10-11 a.m., Wednesday at the church.
   The family suggests memorials be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Bridge Hospice.
   Messages and memories can be left for the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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